Sierra Signals March 2015

ierra Signals SierraSSignals P.O. Box 6421 Auburn, CA 95604

At The Key of SFARC: PRESIDENT Tyghe Richardson, KD6MLH tyghe@tjrauctions.com VICE PRESIDENT Bob Brodovsky, K6UDA k6uda@att.net

March 2015

Calendar of Events

CLUB NET Thursdays, 7:30PM, W6EK/R 145.430

March 13th: Club Meeting

CLUB MEETINGS Second Friday of the month, 7:30PM at the Auburn City Hall, 1215 Lincoln Way, Auburn CA

TREASURER Richard Kuepper, WA6RWS rkuepper@surewest.net

CLUB BREAKFAST Last Sat of the month at Mel’s Diner 1730 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn 7:30AM

DIRECTORS Birton Gilbert, N6UG Robert Bell, W6RBL Jim Jupin, WA8MPA

NET CONTROL OPS Dave Jenkins, WB6RBE Norm Medland, W6AFR Bob Brodovsky, K6UDA Al Martin, NI2U

REPORTERS Satellites: Greg, KO6TH History: Gary, KQ6RT Misc Radio: Fred, K6DGW Sunshine: Richard, WA6RWS

info@w6ek.org

REPEATERS 145.430 (-0.6 MHz/PL 162.2) 440.575 (+5.0 MHz/PL 162.2) 223.860 (-1.6 MHz/PL 110.9)

SECRETARY Bruce Anderson, K6BAA anderson51@wavecable.com

FIELD DAY CHAIRMAN Mark Graybill, W8BIT

http://w6ek.org

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Barbara Anderson, W6EVA anderson51@wavecable.com WEBMASTER & ARRL PIO: Carl A Schultz, WF6J

March 14th: SFARC Swap Meet March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day March 28th: Club Breakfast April 25th: Rocklin Public Safety Day April 26th: MS Walk in Folsom

VOLUNTEER EXAMINER Dave Albright, NO6NO

Inside this issue:  From the Mic  John Webb W7GE SK  Our First Ham Fest/Swap Meet  Death Valley & the need for more Ham Radio Operators  Obtaining an “Official Copy” of your Amateur Radio License  Board & General Minutes

We encourage members to receive Sierra Signals via email to save the Club the cost of reproduction and mailing Sierra Signals is published monthly by the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club for the information of its members and friends, and is distributed via E-mail and USPS mail.

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From the Mic

By Tyghe Richardson – KD6MLH, President

As of press time our President Tyghe - KD6MLH was on the road. He was returning from a week in Arizona where he was accepting awards at a real estate conference associated with his business. Contacted by telephone, he wanted to remind club members of the upcoming Swap Meet on March 14th in Loomis. He is excited about this event, and looks forward to seeing everyone there.

Sunshine Report Longtime member of SFARC John Webb, W7GE became a silent key.

Please keep John’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

Richard WA6RWS

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Death Valley, Hypothermia, 4WD, and the need for more Ham Radio Operators

By Bob Wohlers, KJ6JFW Summer or winter, Death Valley National Park can be unforgiving to the unprepared. This is especially true of the park’s thousands of acres of remote backcountry. Relentless summer heat can reach 130° F. At high altitude in the winter, the park’s many mountain regions can sustain freezing temperatures at night and even most of the day.

It’s February, and after a hotel night’s stay in Ridgecrest, my wife Margie and I begin our semi-annual 4WD trek to Saline Valley. This portion of Death Valley National Park is one of the most remote areas in all of California.

Most of the park’s Rangers dislike venturing into the valley, except when absolutely necessary. In this region of the park, you better have everything you need in your vehicle – tools, spare parts, food and water for at least several days, fire starting equipment, shelter, and of course, a way to reach out should you break down or experience any type of mishap. A journey to Saline Valley means you accept the fact that you are totally on your own. Without a ham radio, Satellite Emergency Notification Device (SEND), or Personal Location Beacon (PBL), you are off-grid and alone. Cell phones rarely connect in Saline Valley. Only the well prepared or stupid venture into this inhospitable valley.

To get to Saline Valley, we first cross over Hunter Mountain from Panamint Valley via South Pass Trail. In the winter, this trail can be treacherous. Snow and ice, along with the unevenness and questionable condition of the trail itself requires constant driver attention in a high clearance 4WD vehicle outfitted with snow chains. As we often do, Margie and I take a short morning break at the summit for a warm beverage and a snack. On a clear day, the summit provides a spectacular view of Panamint Valley below. Even though the sun is out, the Jeep’s temperature display reads 29° F. During our break, Margie spots two gentlemen off in the distance walking directly towards us. Getting my attention she simply covers her face with her hands in disbelief, and says, “Bob look. No jackets and plastic bags tied to their tennis shoes while waking in 3 feet of snow.” At first I think they are a phantasm – as we rarely see anyone on Hunter Mountain summit in February. Realizing we’ll have to put our vacation on hold for a while, I too begin to shake my head in incredulity.

On foot, I meet the two gents halfway to our vehicle. As I approach them it’s obvious that they are very hypothermic and in trouble. One is displaying blue and puffy skin, difficulty walking, and mild confusion – all dangerous signs of severe hypothermia. I refraining from asking any questions, and get our sleeping bags out of the Jeep, remove chemical heat packs from my wilderness first aid kit, and have Margie set up the camp stove to warm a sweetened drink. After placing the warm packs in their armpits, wrapping them in the sleeping bags, and instructing them to down the warmed drinks, I begin a dialog with them.

In very broken English, one of the lost wanderers explains that they are from Taiwan. They began their journey in San Francisco with a rented Chevy Malibu and GPS. They wanted to see Death Valley, and in particular a very famous location within the park called “Racetrack Playa.”

The gravel road into Racetrack from Scotty’s Castle is very well maintained. Any vehicle can make the journey.

Where they went wrong is that they did not return to the paved highway along this well-traveled and graded gravel road. At Racetrack they realized they were low on gas and perhaps it may be “fun” to travel a different way back to the pavement. Interrogating their GPS, they noticed a single gas station “only” 40 miles from their

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location. To get to that gas station, they turned off the graded gravel road, traveled through Hidden Valley, and headed toward Hunter Mountain.

Here are several important details… As you no doubt know, most vehicle GPS devices do not display topography or the condition of the road; they simply show you a route from a point A to B. Their GPS does not show them that their route includes a 7500-foot climb over Hunter Mountain summit. It also doesn’t show them how difficult a trail is – it’s simply a “line” on an LCD screen.

As they turn off the graded gravel road, the trail to Hunter Mountain steadily degrades and begins to slowly climb to altitude. After thirty miles of difficult trail, increased elevation, progressively colder temperatures, a setting sun, and an almost empty gas tank, they finally get their vehicle completely stuck in the snow and mud only a third of the way up Hunter Mountain. They decide to stay the night in their vehicle, running the engine and heater as long as they can. No food. No water. No warm clothing. No survival equipment. Oh, and by the way, they have their two wives with them in the back seat. Nighttime in most of Death Valley is pitch black – wondrous if you are safe in a comfortable camp, frightening if you are lost. When morning comes, the two husbands head off on foot to “get help.”

After warming our two “guests,” I get on my ham radio to reach out and make an emergency contact. Via the Silver Peak Repeater (146.940 – 103.5; serving the Owen’s Valley and beyond) I make a poor contact with another amateur in Bishop, Ca. Via his relay, I’m able to indirectly talk to the Ranger Station at Furnace Creek.

While conversing with the Rangers, another 4WD vehicle miraculously approaches us from the Saline Valley side of the trail. As luck would have it, this vehicle has two seats available to transport the two Chinese gentlemen to Panamint Springs Resort some 25 miles away. Once at the Resort, the two can eat, rest, and further rewarm.

Panamint Springs Resort along Highway 190 is the location of the gas station the gents were trying to get to.

Again via my ham radio, I further advise the Rangers of this developing new information, and tell them that Margie and I will travel down the trail to see how the two women are doing since they were left in the car.

Before signing off, the Rangers inform us that they will send a vehicle out to our location to pick up the passengers. Once off the mountain, the Rangers can then reunite everyone at Panamint Spring Resort. The rental car will be left on the mountain, as Park Rangers are restricted from towing or helping with stuck vehicles.

No doubt the rental car company will eventually have to be dealt with. Ouch. It’s a $4000 tow off the mountain

by John Miller’s Towing in Lone Pine.

When we arrive at the Chevy, the women are hypothermic and worried. Their elation at our arrival was immeasurable. I don’t think we’ve ever had a more enthusiastic or joyful greeting. Offering them warm drink and our sleeping bags, the warming process begins. After an hour or so, the Ranger’s arrived to transport them away, thanking us for our efforts.

What is the moral of this story?

• Don’t indiscriminately follow a GPS route. “Death by GPS” is becoming more common in today’s society. Paper topographical maps are not outdated.

• Always travel remote backcountry locations with a survival bag that can sustain you for at least 72 hours.

Items for your bag should include: food, water, shelter, warmth, fire starting items, and self-defensive gear (Ex:

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knives, handgun or rifle, and ammo). In fact; forget about remote backcountry locations; if disaster strikes, anywhere you may be in your car could require these same supplies to stay alive.

• Regarding ham (amateur) radio – get trained, reach out, and be prepared. We need more ham operators in the world. The more of us there are, the better and safer our society will be.

• Don’t violate the terms of your rental car agreement by taking it off-road. This can and will cost you. Murphy’s Law is real.

• Avoid angering others because you decide to be stupid.

By Bob Wohlers KJ6JFW bob.wohlers@discoveroffroading.com www.discoveroffroading.com Copyright © 2014 Bob Wohlers

Obtaining an “Official Copy” of your Amateur Radio License Anyone who tells you it is easy to download an 'Official Copy' of your License probably has never done it or has just downloaded an 'Unofficial Reference Copy' Here is the procedure to obtain the 'Official Copy' Click on this link: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp Enter your FRN and password (If you have a license, you have an FRN. Look it up in the ULS license search – If you don’t know your password click on the forgot password and then select a security question. You may need to wait for an email from the FCC with a link that allows resetting password and selecting a security question)        

Click Submit Click on your Call Sign Click on Download Electronic Authorizations on the left hand menu Your License will appear in the ‘Filter by Radio Service Box’ Click to highlight it Click add Click to highlight your license Click the Download Button

Your “official copy” License will appear in a PDF Print it.

Dave NO6NO

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES February 13, 2015 The SFARC Board meeting for February commenced at 1812 hours at the Sizzler restaurant back room in Auburn.

Roll Call: All officers and Directors were present except for Birton-N6UG. Guests included Al-NI2U and Jim-

N6MED REPORTS and DISCUSSIONS President’s Report: Tyghe-KD6MLH began discussion on Vince-K2NE’s request to have his web page link placed

on the SFARC’s web site. The Board discussed whether the link would benefit the ham community, the potential for hacking and cited the lack of written club policy regarding links. The board agreed to table the request until further information was obtained from the web master on club policy regarding links.

VP Report: Bob-K6UDA discussed next month’s ham swap in Loomis and desired 100 % club member

participation and will have a signup sheet at this evening’s club general meeting.

Secretary’s Report: Bruce-K6BAA is waiting for an insurance certificate to formally request the Nyack site for

FD2015. Richard has requested the cert. from our insurance carrier.

Treasurer’s Report: Richard-WA6RWS reported net cash on hand at beginning of January of $7548.56; income of

$543.00 from renewals and balance of $7691.62. Delinquent members were discussed with a breakdown of members paid and those who are outstanding. Richard along with George-KG6LSB is assisting the family of Dave Hund with disposing his radio equipment at the ham swap.

Repeater: Richard – WA6RWS requested permission to spend repeater funds without requesting board

permission. Tyghe-KD6MLH stated permission was not needed as authorization is needed only for club activities not the repeater fund which is funded through donations.

OTHER DISCUSSIONS

Al-NI2U advised the board that Chuck-AE6LR will have items for the ham swap meet and will donate the proceeds to the club as he is moving from the area.

Jim-N6MED briefed the board on Sierra/Delta chapter disaster volunteers and advised he is the amateur radio liaison to the Red Cross. Bob-K6UDA suggested to Jim that he should coordinate with Fred- KF7QVB regarding emergency communications.

Jim-WA8MPA reported on refreshments planned for the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 1845. Submitted by Bruce Anderson, SFARC Secretary

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GENERAL MEETING MINUTES February 13, 2015 The SFARC General meeting for February commenced at 1930 hours at the Auburn City Hall Rose Room, President Tyghe-KD6MLH presiding. All Officers and Directors were present with the exception of Birton-N6UG. Tyghe led approximately 56 members and guests in a Pledge of Allegiance to the flag followed by an introduction of Officers, members and guests.

REPORTS: Past minutes: Minutes were approved as posted in the Newsletter on motion.

President’s Report: Tyghe briefly discussed the agenda and then called for Officers’ reports.

VP’s Report: Bob-K6UDA discussed the March ham Swap asking for 100% participation from club members.

Bob also invited new hams to attend the swap as an opportunity for equipment.

VE’s Report: Dave-NO6NO, VE reported that (13) candidates took (19) elements with (9) Techs and (4) Generals passing. Dave advised the Raley’s location should be good through June. He also had club hats and patches for sale.

Secretary’s Report: Bruce-K6BAA requested input for the club newsletter; a Welcome letter available for new members and guests, and a reminder to the membership to sign the attendance sheet.

Treasurer’s Report: Richard-WA6RWS reported net cash on hand at beginning of January of $7548.56; $543.00 renewal income and balance of $7691.62.

Satellite Report: Greg-KO6TH reported on the latest amateur satellite activities.

Repeater Report: Richard-WA6RWS reported both he and Birton-N6UG are working on repeater tests, tracking down some elusive issues and reminded club members of the repeater access cards and phone patch capabilities.

Sunshine Report: Richard-WA6RWS reported that John Webb, a lifelong member of the club had passed away.

Refreshments/Drawing: George-WB6LSB reviewed items planned for the drawing, while Scott-K6SVW reported on refreshments for the break.

OLD BUSINESS: Field Day 2015: Mark-W8BIT gave a report of FD2015 Committee discussions and decisions. Mark asked for a VHF Band Captain.

NEW BUSINESS: Committees: Tyghe asked for volunteers, Wendy-KK6HSK volunteered to Chair the Christmas Party Committee.

Harold-KD6WTV volunteered to Chair the Membership Committee. Dennis-WU6X volunteered to Chair the Elections/Nominations Committee and Mike-KK6HSO volunteered to Chair the Picnic Committee.

Event Opportunities: George-KG6LSB reported on three events planned for 2015, the Tour de Cure, MS Walk and Enduro. Please contact George if you are interested in participating in these great events.

General Announcements: The Club Net meets every Thursday at 7:30pm; Board and General Meetings occur on the 2nd Friday, Board is held at Sizzler Restaurant in Auburn, and General meetings at 7:30pm at Auburn City Hall. The Club breakfast is held on the last Saturday at Mel’s Diner in Auburn; an Elmer Net is held the first and third Wednesday night at 7:30pm on the 2m repeater. See www.w6ek.org for more information.

Tech-10 & Presentation: The Tech-10 was presented by Fred-KF7QVB, EC Coordinator for Placer County, BobK6UDA and Marty-W6TOC who gave an excellent presentation on Placer County ARES. The meeting adjourned at 2113. Submitted by Bruce-K6BAA, Club Secretary

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SIERRA FOOTHILLS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB P.O. Box 6421, Auburn, CA 95604

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SIERRA FOOTHILLS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB P.O. Box 6421, Auburn, CA 95604

2015 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name: ________________________________ Call: ___________ Class: ___ e-mail: ____________________________ Address: ______________________________ City: ____________________ State: _____ Zip: ____________________ Associate Name: ________________________ Call: ___________ Class: ____ email: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Cellphone: ____________________ Application is: (Circle)

New

Renewal

Dues / Donations: Membership: yearly* Associate: yearly* Auto Patch Donation: Misc. Donation:

$ 22.00 $ 7.00 $___________ $___________

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TOTAL:

$__________ Please add $1 if paying via PayPal

*Prorated dues for NEW Members/Associates Only July $ 20 /6 October August $ 18/5 November September $ 16/4 December

OFFICE USE ONLY:

Yes

(special name)______________

ARRL member? (circle)

Yes

No

$ 14/3 + following year $ 12/2+ following year $ 10/1 + following year

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE

Date: __________________ Treasurer: _________________ Secretary: _______________ Roster: ______________ Payment: _______________ Check Number: _____________ Cash: __________________ PayPal:______________ Rev. Oct 2014